June 28 — A newly constructed bridge in Bhopal has triggered widespread public criticism due to its unusual 90-degree turn, raising serious concerns over road safety and engineering standards. The sharp bend, located in the Bairagarh area, has not only confused commuters but has also become a viral topic on social media, with users questioning the logic behind such a design.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav responded swiftly to the growing outrage, ordering an immediate technical inquiry into the bridge’s construction and design. “I have directed the officials to conduct a thorough review of the project. If any technical faults or negligence are found, strict action will be taken against those responsible,” the Chief Minister stated.
The bridge, intended to ease congestion and improve connectivity in the region, has instead become a subject of ridicule and safety concern. Videos and images of vehicles struggling to navigate the abrupt turn have been widely circulated online, leading to trending hashtags such as #BhopalBridge and #90DegreeTurn.
Sources in the Public Works Department (PWD) revealed that the sharp bend was not part of the original design. It was allegedly incorporated during construction due to land acquisition challenges and space limitations. However, the modification has now raised serious questions about planning, execution, and oversight in the state’s infrastructure projects.
Experts have also weighed in on the controversy. Professor Anil Deshmukh, a civil engineering expert from MANIT Bhopal, said, “Such a design is highly unconventional and dangerous. A 90-degree turn on a bridge that carries significant traffic volume poses a major risk, particularly for two-wheelers and heavy vehicles.”
Political reactions have also intensified. Congress MLA Arif Masood accused the BJP-led government of negligence and called for a judicial probe into the planning and tendering process. “This is not just a design flaw—it is a symbol of how public funds are being misused without proper technical evaluation,” he said.
In the wake of the backlash, the PWD has been directed to submit a detailed report within a week. Meanwhile, barricades and warning signs have been placed at the turn as a temporary safety measure.
The incident has highlighted deeper issues in urban infrastructure development and the need for rigorous technical scrutiny in public projects. While the government has promised swift action, citizens are demanding accountability and long-term solutions to ensure safer roads and smarter city planning.
As investigations continue, the Bhopal bridge remains a cautionary example of what can go wrong when engineering standards are compromised.
